Monday, September 24, 2007

Appointed meetings

My job is truly a pleasure. It affords me time to practice my nursing skills, make money for the family, serve my co-workers and patients. But what I love most about my work is getting to be present in people's lives at one of the most pivotal moments they will ever have- the birth of their child.

Of course there are frustrating and sad stories. The work can be exhausting. It is not always a moment of joyous celebration, but for the most part families are very teachable and influenced at this moment.

So last Saturday, like most, I rose at 5am and marched myself into the hospital. But what I did not know was the God has something in store for me this particular day.

I had a light assignment and got into a casual conversation with one of my patients which ended up in a 2 hour time of sharing what the Lord has done and is doing in our lives. What a joy and encouragement to speak openly of our God and bless His name.

We were complete strangers. We had walked different roads and gone down different paths. Yet I walked away knowing that God had appointed our meeting for our edification and for His Glory. I was reminded again that God's Kingdom is at hand and He is working mightily in His church and through His people. We are here to strengthen and bless one another.

"...so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others." Romans 12:5

"There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called— one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all." Ephesians 4:4-6

"...continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose. Do everything without complain- ing or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life—in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing...." Philippians 2:12b-16

I often want to be the one to do big things for God. This verse reminds me that it is in doing the small things well and without complaining that I can be most useful to Him. So when I'm taking care of the sick and sweeping up the floor again and just got sauce on my only white shirt and somehow managed to drop a box of crayons down the dryer vent and my friend is hurting and my child is frustrated with school and I really don't feel like I can answer one more question.... I remember that this is my time to SHINE AGAIN.